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Based on its location in the far northeastern region of Florida, north of St. Augustine, Jacksonville features its share of Southern and seafood eateries, as well as a wide array of ethnic cuisine, gourmet establishments and casual restaurants. Established travel guides such as Frommer’s and Gayot, as well as local alternative publications like "Folio Weekly," rate the top restaurants found throughout Jacksonville.

Matthew’s Restaurant

Just steps from Theatre Jacksonville, Matthew’s Restaurant offers a high-end dining experience, complete with white leather chairs, linen tablecloths and more than 2,000 selections from the wine cellar. The menu changes nightly but includes dishes like crispy veal sweetbreads and peppered pheasant with ricotta gnocchi.

B.B.’s

Geared towards adults, B.B.’s features a casual setting with hardwood floors, bar seating and wood-beam ceilings. Menu items include grilled pizzas, salads and hot sandwiches. The restaurant offers a weekend brunch, prix-fixe and nightly happy hour menus. The restaurant lies 10 minutes on foot from the Museum of Science and History.

Marker 32

Situated 15 miles east of downtown Jacksonville, and upon the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway, Marker 32 serves seafood selections like spicy clam linguini and Southern-style fried soft shell crabs. Reserved primarily for adults, the restaurant offers an upscale setting with candlelight, wine rack-covered walls, a full bar and oversized U-shaped booths.

Biscottis

Housed inside a rustic brick building, Biscottis offers outdoor sidewalk dining, boldly colored walls covered in original artwork and display cases filled with baked goods like cakes and pies. Located in the city’s Avondale neighborhood, the adult-oriented cafe serves gourmet sandwiches, pizzas and salads, as well as an extensive wine collection.

TacoLu Baja Mexicana

TacoLu Baja Mexicana, located 15 miles east of the city center, offers colorful walls, Mexican-themed knickknacks and little white light strung across the ornately tiled bar. The menu highlights unique Mexican cuisine like cheeseburger quesadillas, filet mignon tacos and grape salsa salads. The restaurant features a full bar and children’s menu.

13 Gypsies

Situated in the city’s Riverside neighborhood, 13 Gypsies offers Spanish tapas like cured chorizo, Moorish pork kabobs and risotto. Designed for adults, the restaurant also provides an extensive wine and beer list. The casual setting features outdoor seating and carry-out service.

Salt Life Food Shack

Salt Life Food Shack sits in Jacksonville Beach, just steps from the ocean. The interior includes ocean blue chairs, colorful aquariums and a full bar outfitted with seating. The menu showcases seafood samplings like wood-grilled salmon, fried local shrimp and a variety of sushi rolls. The restaurant also provides a kid’s menu for ages 12 and under.

Al’s Pizza

Named Jacksonville’s best pizza in 2010 by "Folio Weekly," Al’s Pizza offers multiple locations throughout the city, including one in Riverside. The family-friendly eatery features New York-style thin crust and Sicilian-style thick crust, including such varieties as spicy Caribbean chicken, veggie and Greek pizzas. Most locations provide outside seating, as well as take-out and dine-in options.

Mojo Kitchen

The Jacksonville Beach-based Mojo Kitchen offers up hearty barbecue like North Carolina pulled pork shoulder, chopped brisket sandwiches and smoked sausage. Menu options cater to children, however the restaurant also features a full bar and late night blues sessions. The interior includes rustic hardwood floors, distressed walls and long wooden tables for large parties.

Metro Diner

Located in the South Riverside neighborhood, Metro Diner features a relaxed atmosphere with patio dining, a chalkboard menu for daily specials, counter seating, ceiling fans and green and white vinyl tablecloths. Southern-tinged menu items include chicken and waffles, pecan-encrusted fish sandwiches, meatloaf and chicken pot pie. The family-friendly restaurant does not serve alcohol.

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About the Author

A travel writer since 2002, Leah Rendon has written countless articles for online pop-culture magazines and various travel-related websites, including Eurobooking and World66. Gosford also has experience in copywriting, having developed a series of articles related to network marketing. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in theater arts.

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